4 in running for Rankin County House seat

BRANDON — Rankin County voters on Jan. 8 will choose a new state representative for the seat vacated by Republican Rep. Kevin McGee over ethics violations, choosing from a slate of three Republicans and an independent.

The Clarion-Ledger reports Republicans Scot Allen, Bradley Lum and Brent Powell and independent Benny L. Hubbard of Flowood are all local businessmen and say their small-business acumen qualifies them for the state Legislature.

They also all agree education — and preserving high-quality schools in the Rankin County School District — are top priorities.

The District 59 seat they seek represents the Reservoir area of Rankin County and parts of Flowood and Brandon.